AUSTIN, Texas — As Run For The Water prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary this November, the Gazelle Foundation is inviting mission-aligned businesses and community partners to be part of one of Austin’s most impactful and enduring charitable events.
The Gazelle Foundation was co-founded by Olympic runner, genocide survivor, and longtime Austin coach Gilbert Tuhabonye. With running deeply connected to the organization’s roots and mission, Run For The Water has grown into the foundation’s signature community event over the past two decades.
Since its founding, Run For The Water has brought together tens of thousands of runners, families, volunteers, and supporters while helping fund clean water systems in Burundi, Africa. The event directly supports the Gazelle Foundation’s mission to provide sustainable access to clean water and create healthier, more hopeful futures for communities in need.
The annual event includes a 10-Miler, 5K, Kids K, Global Run option, and a finish line festival featuring Burundian drummers, community partners, and family-friendly activities. This year’s 20th anniversary event will also include expanded community outreach, training events, sponsor activations, and engagement opportunities leading up to race weekend.
“As we enter our 20th year, we’re excited to build deeper partnerships with brands that care about community, wellness, and meaningful impact,” said Courtney Waldren, Executive Director of the Gazelle Foundation. “This race has become part of Austin’s running culture and philanthropic community, and we’re looking forward to growing that legacy together.”
“Community support is what makes Run For The Water possible,” said Gilbert Tuhabonye. “Not only does it strengthen the race experience, it allows more funds to go directly toward building clean water systems in Burundi. At the end of the day, it’s not really about the miles or the hills — it’s about people coming together to help create a lifetime of change.”
Current partnership opportunities include presenting sponsorships, finish line festival activations, in-kind wellness and hospitality partnerships, training event integrations, Kids K support, and community engagement opportunities throughout race season.
Run For The Water will take place Sunday, November 8, 2026, in downtown Austin.
Businesses interested in partnership opportunities can learn more at:
Run For The Water Partnership Opportunities
A full look back at the history of Run For The Water’s first 20 years can be found here:
Run For The Water Turns 20: One Race. A Lifetime of Change.
About the Gazelle Foundation
The Gazelle Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to clean water in Burundi, Africa. Through sustainable water systems and community partnerships, the organization works to improve health, create opportunity, and build hope for future generations.
Media Contact
Courtney Waldren
courtney@gazellefoundation.org
Executive Director
Gazelle Foundation
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